On Sunday, September 3, 2023, the music industry’s brightest stars gathered in Atlanta, Georgia, for the 16th edition of the Headies Award. This prestigious event, which has been celebrating the best of Nigerian music since 2006, was a night filled with glitz, glamour, and groundbreaking achievements.
Mavin’s golden boy, Rema, stole the show, bagging three awards and delivering a speech that will be remembered for years to come. But he wasn’t the only one shining bright. Asake, Burna Boy, and many others also had their moments under the spotlight.
Dive in as we take you through the night’s biggest winners!
The Winners’ Circle
BEST RAP SINGLE
- Winner: ‘Declan Rice’ by ODUMODUBLVCK
BEST MALE VOCAL PERFORMANCE
- Winner: ‘Kpe Paso’ by Wande Coal
BEST ALTERNATIVE SONG
- Winner: ‘Tinko Tinko’ by Obong Jayar
BEST VIDEO DIRECTOR
- Winner: ‘Calm Down’ by Director K (Rema)
“Music is the divine way to tell beautiful, poetic things to the heart.” – Pablo Casals
LYRICIST ON THE ROLL
- Winner: ‘Flytalk Only’ by Payper Corleone
PRODUCER OF THE YEAR
- Winner: ‘Abracadabra’ by Rexxie
BEST MALE ARTIST
- Winner: Rema
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
- Winner: ODUMODUBLVCK
BEST INSPIRATIONAL SONG
- Winner: ‘Eze Ebube’ by Neon Adejo
AFROBEATS SINGLE OF THE YEAR
- Winner: ‘Last Last’ by Burna Boy
SPECIAL RECOGNITION
- Honoree: Sound Sultan
DIGITAL ARTIST OF THE YEAR
- Winner: ‘Calm Down’ by Rema
BEST STREET HIP-HOP ARTISTE
- Winner: ‘Chance (Na Ham)’ by Seyi Vibez
NEXT-RATED
- Winner: Asake
ALBUM OF THE YEAR
- Winner: ‘Mr. Money With The Vibe’ by Asake
BEST COLLABORATION
- Winner: ‘Who’s Your Guy Remix’ by Spyro, Tiwa Savage
AFRICAN ARTISTE OF THE YEAR
- Winner: Rema (Nigeria)
BEST WEST AFRICAN ARTISTE OF THE YEAR
- Winner: Black Sherif (Ghana)
BEST R&B Album
- Winner: ‘The Brother’s Keeper’ by Chike
INTERNATIONAL ARTISTE OF THE YEAR
- Winner: Selena Gomez
BEST RECORDING OF THE YEAR
- Winner: ‘Soweto’ by Victony, Tempoe
BEST VOCAL PERFORMANCE (FEMALE)
- Winner: In Between by Waje
BEST CENTRAL AFRICAN ARTISTE OF THE YEAR
- Winner: Libianca (Cameroon)
HEADIES VIEWERS’ CHOICE
- Winner: ‘Soweto’ by Victony
BEST EAST AFRICAN ARTISTE OF THE YEAR
- Winner: Diamond Platinumz (Tanzania)
BEST NORTH AFRICAN ARTISTE OF THE YEAR
- Winner: El Grande Toto (Morocco)
SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR
- Winner: ‘Loyal’ by Simi Kosoko, Goodsfavour Chidozie, Kosoko Adekunle, Marcel Akunwata
BEST R&B SINGLE
- Winner: “For my hand’ by Burna Boy
BEST FEMALE ARTISTE
- Winner: Ayra Starr
BEST SOUTHERN AFRICAN ARTISTE OF THE YEAR
- Winner: Focalistic (South Africa)
BEST ALTERNATIVE ALBUM
- Winner: ‘Gbagada Express’ by BOJ
HALL OF FAME
- Honoree: Youssou N’dour
The 16th Headies Award was indeed a night to remember. From the breathtaking performances to the heartwarming speeches, it was a testament to the growth and global influence of Nigerian music. Until next year, keep the music playing and the spirit alive!
For more updates on the Nigerian music scene, stay tuned to Mandy News.
